Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future By Arlenne Villahermosa, Columban Lay Missionary The 75th anniversary of the Columban Mission in Negros (1950–2025) commemorates a legacy of “integral evangelization” that has deeply influenced the island’s spiritual, social, and ecological landscape. Celebrating 75 years of presence signifies a transition – from building the local church to …
By Marjorie Engcoy, Co-worker As a child, I often found myself gazing at the majestic silhouette of the Mt. Malindang Ranges located on the Zamboanga Peninsula in Mindanao. Rising above the horizon, it evoked a sense of wonder and mystery. I imagined the countless species hidden within its forests, marvelling at its grandeur. More …
The Dream Journey to Duminagat: Encountering Sacred Beauty and Ecological Lament Read More »
By Lydio Mangao, Jr. Chile’s Global Ecological Significance Did you know that there are 110 identified ecosystems worldwide, and 88 out of these are found in Chile? This incredible diversity stems from Chile’s unique geography, stretching across Antarctica, South America, and the Pacific. Within its borders lies eight biomes or 15 ecological zones, ranging …
On Threats and Protection, Restoration of Ecosystems in Chile Read More »
By Fr. Elbert Balbastro, Columban Missionary in Pakistan The ongoing war continues to impact many, with rising death tolls in Iran, Lebanon, and other Middle Eastern nations. Oil and commodity prices are increasing, affecting economies worldwide. Displaced populations add to the crisis, facing daily stress and uncertainty. Altogether, the situation creates a complex humanitarian …
By Amy W. Echeverria, Columban Central JPIC Coordinator The story of Jesus meeting the woman at the well is a deep source of hope and comfort for Christians. By encountering the Samaritan woman alone at the well and asking her for a drink, Jesus demonstrated that his love was not constrained by social norms …
By John Din, Columban Lay Missionary I am a link. A link to what? A link between what began decades ago and the imagined future of a recovered and restored forest. In the early two thousands, San Columbano de Bantolinao was just a dream—a dream of a future where organic farming is enhanced and …
A collective reflection of the parishioners Our Mother of Perpetual Help (OMPH)–Barra marks its third year as a parish since its elevation in 2022 and its designation as an ecology parish. Looking back, parishioners recall how much has changed in a short span of time. A lot has been accomplished: the parish was able …
Three Years of Our Mother of Perpetual Help (OMPH)–Barra: Growing as an Ecology Parish Read More »
By Mosese Yacalevu, Columban Seminarian As a steward of God’s majestic creation in all Her boundless beauty and wonder, I remain ever grateful for the natural flow of life around us. Here at the Columban International House of Studies in Manila, one thing that continues to amaze and inspire me is what I fondly …
By Marivic Mercene “We need to prepare ourselves for persecution.” Fr. Brendan Kelly’s words hung in the air, heavy and unsettling. I had asked him how our two mission priorities—Biodiversity Protection and Migrants and Refugees—shape his ministry in Don Victoriano, Misamis Occidental. His answer wasn’t theoretical. It was rooted in years of living with …
Prepare for Persecution: When Mission Becomes Witness for the Earth Read More »
By Fr. Oliver McCrossan, SSC A training on Regenerative Agriculture/soil regeneration was conducted and held at Living Soils Farm, Sitio Kakawan, Patrocenio, Claveria, Misamis Oriental on February 22-23, 2025. The training was attended by no less than 10 key leaders of organizations from different places in Mindanao. These key leaders from peoples, farmers, and …
